Troy Times

June 23, 1853 

SMITH, LESTER H. - On the 13th inst., at his residence in Troy, Mr. Lester H. Smith, of pneumonia, aged 53 years.  On the Sabbath of the previous week, Mr. Smith left the church whither he had gone to remember the Redeemer at the communion table, during the morning services, feeling unwell.  As it proved, death had come to call him to the communion of the saints above.  He found him at the sanctuary of God.  On Sabbath afternoon, a few hours before his death, in the full possession of reason, he called his family around him, and gave them his parting counsels and his affectionate farewell; and then he laid himself down to die.  Mr. Smith has left an interesting family to mourn his departure from them in the very midst of life's cares and responsibilities; a family, however, who will yet feel his influence as they cherish his memory.  He was a man of few professions, but of strong convictions, deep feeling and steady action.  His interest in the cause of temperance was earnest and efficient.  A cause which shared still more largely his sympathies was the cause of the slave.  More than once, at his own house, did he remember those in bonds as bound with them.  His heart was ever alive, and his hands were prompt to do anything that he thought might lead to bring to an end the system of American slavery.  The church to which he belonged will miss him from her meetings for Christian conference and prayer, and from her list of generous contributors.  But his friends will mourn for him not as those without hope.               R.